College Football Week 2 schedule and predictions
No. 15 Georgia Bulldogs at No. 24 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Kickoff: Saturday, Sep. 9, 7:30 PM, NBC
Another inter-conference matchup, this one featuring Georgia and Notre Dame. Both teams had question marks coming into the season and took care of business in Week 1 against lesser opponents.
For both programs, this will be a big test to see how their season goes. The Fighting Irish are looking to fight their way up the rankings, while the Bulldogs are trying to find relevancy in the SEC behind second-year head coach Kirby Smart.
Georgia at Notre Dame: Three Things to Watch
1. How is QB Jake Fromm going to handle Notre Dame?
Oh boy, one of the biggest losses from Week 1 was QB Deondre Francois for Florida State. But QB Jacob Eason was just as bad of a loss for Georgia. No need to fear, Jake Fromm is here. The backup quarterback will step in and be asked to play the game manager role.
It’s a huge test for a quarterback making his first start this season. Let’s see how Fromm handles the pressure on the road in South Bend, IN.
2. Georgia RB Nick Chubb
Is it me or does it feel like Nick Chubb has been at Georgia forever? The running back has a lot on his shoulders this season and more importantly this game. With a new quarterback taking over, Chubb will be asked to carry the load for a Bulldogs’ victory. HC Kirby Smart can’t ask Fromm to drop back and throw 50 times.
The experienced tailback will need to have a big game for the Bulldogs to leave Notre Dame with a victory and I think it happens.
3. QB Brandon Wimbush’s primetime debut
Deshone Kizer and Brian Kelly had their ups and downs last season and was a huge reason why Notre Dame couldn’t really find success in 2016.
Wimbush better fits what Kelly is looking for, giving the Fighting Irish over 100 yards on the ground and through the air. It was against a middling Temple defense — which is not as good as Georgia’s. If Wimbush can step up, I can see Notre Dame pulling out a victory.
Prediction:
Notre Dame is at home and has a more experienced quarterback — by less than a game. Fromm is going to make some key mistakes, even if Chubb as a great day. I think Notre Dame pulls away late and pulls off the upset.
Notre Dame 24, Georgia 17